Bay of Plenty police are reminding locals to keep their wits about them so thieves don't take advantage over the festive season.
Seasonal shopping can test your sanity, leaving you feeling rushed, tired and stressed. Police say it can also make you a vulnerable target for thieves so it is important to make plans and take a few simple precautions.
The advice forms part of the '12 Crime of Christmas' campaign run by Bay of Plenty District Police.
In the shops
* Start shopping as early as you can - don't leave it to the last few days when everyone is in a last minute panic.
* If possible avoid shopping at weekends when the crowds will be at their height.
* Go shopping with a friend.
* Only carry with you identification or valuables that are essential for the trip and make sure they are secure.
* If carrying a bag make sure it is closed and if possible held in front of you. Never leave it unattended.
* If someone bumps into you immediately check your valuables. It could just be another busy shopper, but don't just assume.
* Try to condense your bags into one big bag. It reduces the likelihood of you losing an item and makes you look less like a walking cash machine.
* When making a transaction with a bank or credit card never let the card out of your sight and be conscious about who can see you entering your PIN number.
* Pay attention to who is around you and report any suspicious activity.
In the car park
* Always park in a safe location such as a secure car park.
* Make sure all the doors and windows on your vehicle are secure.
* Remove all valuables from your vehicles.
* If you have to leave something in your car make sure it is out of sight.
* If you return to your car to put purchases inside before continuing shopping, make sure they are out of sight and you are aware of who is around when you put the shopping in your car.
* Report any suspicious activity.
* As we use more gadgets in our cars the risk of theft increases.
* Don't leave GPS systems or mobile phone hands-free accessories on display. If your GPS attaches to your windscreen hide it out of sight and wipe away and tell-tale marks on the glass.
Shopping on-line
* Buying gifts online can be less stressful and a time-saver but it comes with its own risks.
* Invest in a security and virus software package for your computer and password protect documents containing personal information.
* If purchasing goods over the internet always make sure that you are making payments or providing personal details in a secure area.
* You will usually be alerted when entering a secure area or you will require a password.
* Check out the company you are trading with. Make sure they have a physical address and contact details and you keep a record of transactions with time, dates and order numbers.
* Don't use computers that are accessible to the public to make your transactions.
* Read the website's refund and returns policies, privacy policy and legal notices in case you need to return goods or have a problem.
If you have information about criminal activity but don't want to reveal your identity you can pass it anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or at http://www.crimestoppers-nz.org